Saturday, January 3, 2009

Clips: Women Living With Fake Baby Dolls Treat Them Like Real Children


Clips: Women Living With Fake Baby Dolls Treat Them Like Real Children: "Remember Reborn baby dolls? Well they're back on the morning show circuit and are still as popular as ever with the women who 'collect' them.

In this clip, Good Morning America travels to the homes of the women who buy Reborns, which the women treat like real infants. One woman throws her dolls birthday parties and invites actual children to attend the events. Another woman carries her dolls around with her and has to inform cooing strangers that her life-like dolls are not actually living babies."

Back to the future: Vinyl record sales double in '08, CDs down

Back to the future: Vinyl record sales double in '08, CDs down: "In 2008, 1.88 million vinyl albums were purchased, more than in any other year since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking LP sales in 1991. The previous record was in 2000, when 1.5 million LP albums were sold. More than two out of every three vinyl albums bought in 2008 were purchased at an independent music store, according to SoundScan."

Rare 1937 Bugatti supercar found in English garage


Rare 1937 Bugatti supercar found in English garage: "It was the equivalent of finding an old Picasso or an unknown Beatles tape hidden away in your uncle's attic.

Relatives of Dr. Harold Carr found an extremely rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante — a Holy Grail for car collectors — as they were going through his belongings after his death.

The dusty two-seater, unused since 1960, didn't look like much in the garage in Gosforth, near Newcastle in northern England.

But only 17 were ever made, and when it's cleaned up and auctioned in Paris next month, experts believe it will fetch at least 3 million pounds ($4.3 million) and possibly much more."

Gene that predicts risk of heart attack identified by scientists

Gene that predicts risk of heart attack identified by scientists: "Millions of people under 40 across the world suffer without knowing from early coronary artery disease, which in many cases leads to heart attacks in later life.

Now researchers believe they have pinpointed a gene or marker that can help predict in advance whether someone is at increased risk.

They believe that this could lead to a test to identify the latent threat of hardened arteries so that patients could be given dietary advice and other treatment before too much damage is done."

Genes give Africans a better sense of taste

Genes give Africans a better sense of taste: "Some put forward France's decadent sauces or Spain's creative tapas as evidence of Europeans' delicate taste for food, while Asian gourmands would sing the praises of sushi.

But they might all be wrong. New research suggests that Africans have more sensitive palettes than Europeans and Asians – at least for bitter tastes.

A survey of numerous African populations in Kenya and Cameroon found a striking amount of diversity in a gene responsible for sensing bitter tastes."

'Hello 911? I'm driving drunk'

'Hello 911? I'm driving drunk': "BISMARCK, N.D. – Police get calls about drunken drivers all the time, but rarely do they come from the alleged offender. A 17-year-old girl in Bismarck called 911 on New Year's Eve 'to report herself driving under the influence,' police Lt. Randy Ziegler said. 'I've never heard of such a thing happening, and neither has anyone here.'

The girl told authorities her location shortly before midnight Wednesday and officers found her in a parked car near downtown, Ziegler said. She failed a sobriety test and was arrested for failing to have control of her vehicle while intoxicated."

Friday, January 2, 2009

How Crabs Find Their Way Home


How Crabs Find Their Way Home: Scientific American: "How animals keep their bearings on hunting trips is somewhat of a mystery. Celestial navigation and electromagnetic fields help ants, honeybees, birds and sea turtles keep track of directions. More puzzling: how animals measure distances. A new study has found the first direct evidence that fiddler crabs monitor their travels by tracking their strides."

6 Cases of Shamelessly False Advertising


6 Cases of Shamelessly False Advertising: "Sometimes false advertising is easy to spot. Statements like “Lose 20 pounds in 5 days” or “Make $1 million a month while sitting at home” seem to choke on their own incredulity, but sometimes marketers employ a little more finesse to bamboozle you. Here are six examples of shamelessly false advertising campaigns that weren’t just implicitly misleading—they were blatant lies."

How It's Made: Marbles

Game of the Year Awards 2008


Game of the Year Awards 2008

xkcd - A Webcomic - I Know You're Listening


xkcd - A Webcomic - I Know You're Listening

7 Classic Disney Movies That Taught Us Terrible Lessons


7 Classic Disney Movies That Taught Us Terrible Lessons: "Maybe we're too hard on Disney. After all, they simply remake classic stories in cartoon form. What's not to like?

Well, as you'll see, it all depends on just how much thought you apply to it. Here's seven pretty terrible lessons that Disney films taught us, whether they meant to or not."

The Record Cabinet


The Record Cabinet: "The Record Cabinet, the first offering from Jenn and Nick Atocha (the husband and wife team behind Atocha Design), is the happy result of two music fanatics needing a home for their newly combined vinyl collections. Unlike most LP storage systems, which store records sideways allowing you to only see the spine, the Record Cabinet allows you flip through your collection savoring the artwork in full frontal view. So much is expressed in album cover art that becomes part of how you hear the music. Pick any Beatles record, or Bowie, or Bjork, or Beck, just to stick with the letter B, and imagine hearing it without the artwork. You can't!'"

First Look at 12 Big Movies Coming In 2009


First Look at 12 Big Movies Coming In 2009 |EW.com: "From ''Harry Potter'' to ''Terminator,'' ''Wolverine'' to ''Watchmen,'' EW gives you an exclusive sneak peek at 21 pics from the most anticipated new releases of the next 12 months"

The Canine Treadmill


The Canine Treadmill. at Hammacher Schlemmer: "This is the treadmill that provides owners with a means to maintain consistent levels of exercise for their dogs, regardless of weather conditions."

Vonage TV Commercial - US Map

Caught a Vonage commercial last night. It seems they have made a revision to the map below. When did Missourin and Arkansas become one GIANT state? How does this get throught without someone catching it?

Police kill student in German uniform

Police kill student in German uniform | Seattle Times Newspaper: "Seattle police shot and killed a University of Washington senior who was dressed in a World War II-era German uniform and who officers say was brandishing a long rifle with a bayonet early Thursday in his University District apartment.

The student, identified by friends as Miles Allen Murphy, was well-known on campus as a smart, eccentric history buff who loved to participate in WWII re-enactments and would even show up to class, at times, dressed in a historic uniform."

Fastest Gunman Ever

NFL Draft: Updated top 100 prospects

NFL Draft: Updated top 100 prospects: "With the 2008 college football season wrapping up, NFL scouting departments are reorganizing their draft boards and refiguring the nation's top prospects. Mike Lombardi, Andrew Brandt and Wes Bunting of the National Football Post put together their list of the top 100 draftable prospects for the 2009 draft."

Thursday, January 1, 2009

‘Year One’

First Look: Jack Black and Michael Cera in ‘Year One’: "The story follows two “hunter-gatherers (Black and Cera) who are banished from their village and wander through scenes from the Old Testament, encountering the likes of Cain and Abel (David Cross and Paul Rudd) and Abraham (Hank Azaria).” As Ramis explained to EW, the idea has been stewing for quite a while, since the days when Ramis was bouncing around improv ideas with Bill Murray and John Belushi."

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Madden Curse Strikes Again


Madden Curse Strikes Again ...: "Since 1999 we have counted 12 players that have been on the covers (2 in 2000). With the conclusion of the 2008 NFL regular season yesterday and the fact that we checked out the worst college sports cover athletes not too long ago, we figured we would take a look at past Madden cover athletes and rank the effect of the 'Madden Curse' on each."

New Year's Eve Traditions in Different Countries


New Year's Eve Traditions in Different Countries: "New Year’s Eve is often associated with drinking champagne and counting the clock strokes. Globalization takes place as fewer and fewer unique traditions remain, yet if we look closely enough we may be able to dig some amusing ones out. Apparently, on New Year’s Eves, some rather crazy things happen around the world. People throw their old furniture out through the windows, eat exactly 12 grapes, break dishes on the neighbor’s doors, splash water on random people walking by, and even ultra-carefully examine their guests. Why do they do all those crazy things? For the good fortune of course!"

1999 - Soul Train

Best of 2008: The Most Impressive Laptops


Best of 2008: The Most Impressive Laptops - PC World: "Over the past year, we've seen netbooks explode on the scene, a paper-thin ultraportable challenge what we thought was possible, and powerful desktop replacements that really are suitable replacements for your desktop PC."

Popeye the Sailor copyright free


Popeye the Sailor copyright free: "“I yam what I yam,” declared Popeye. And just what that is is likely to become less clear as the copyright expires on the character who generates about $1.5 billion in annual sales.

From January 1, the iconic sailor falls into the public domain in Britain under an EU law that restricts the rights of authors to 70 years after their death. Elzie Segar, the Illinois artist who created Popeye, his love interest Olive Oyl and nemesis Bluto, died in 1938.

The Popeye industry stretches from books, toys and action figures to computer games, a fast-food chain and the inevitable canned spinach.

The copyright expiry means that, from Thursday, anyone can print and sell Popeye posters, T-shirts and even create new comic strips, without the need for authorisation or to make royalty payments."

A Victim Treats His Mugger Right


A Victim Treats His Mugger Right: "Julio Diaz has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner.

But one night last month, as Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn."

Charles Barkley In DUI Bust - December 31, 2008


Charles Barkley In DUI Bust - December 31, 2008: "Former NBA star Charles Barkley was arrested early today on suspicion of drunk driving after Arizona cops pulled his 2005 Infiniti over after he ran a stop sign. Barkley, 45, was busted after failing field sobriety tests, and had blood drawn so investigators could establish his alcohol content. Barkley, pictured in Gilbert Police Department mug shot, was cited and released at the scene, thus avoiding a trip to the Maricopa County jail."

No Joke -- Dane Cook's Brother Steals Him Blind


No Joke -- Dane Cook's Brother Steals Him Blind: "Talk about keeping it in the family -- sources tell TMZ Dane Cook's brother (who was also his business manager) has been arrested for allegedly stealing millions from the comedian.

Darryl McCauley -- who was in charge of Cook's financial affairs since the 90s -- was arrested today by the Massachusetts State Police and charged with three counts of larceny and forgery.

Authorities say in one case, Dane's bro forged a $3 million check and deposited it in his account.

McCauley will be arraigned tomorrow in Woburn District Court."

230 mph, 8-Wheeled Electric Car


230 mph, 8-Wheeled Electric Car May be On Sale Soon: "If the Tesla Roadster just isn't enough for you...not fast enough, not weird enough, and not expensive enough, then you should probably start looking out for Eliica's. Just two of these Japanese peculio-mobiles currently exist, but the Eliica team is looking to get corporate sponsorship to produce 200 of them."

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Bad Boy Gene Makes Males Popular


Bad Boy Gene Makes Males Popular: "Male college students who have a gene associated with rule-breaking are popular with their peers.

Researchers from Michigan State University collected DNA from 200 college-aged males who didn't previously know each other, and then set them up in a lab situation in which they were encouraged to interact. After an hour, they were asked which members of the group they liked best. In multiple samples, the students with a serotonin gene that is linked to rule-breaking came out on top."

2008: The Year the Geeks Took Over

2008: The Year the Geeks Took Over: "Is there any arguing it? You guys who are technology and gadget-obsessed, who have a huge capacity for memorizing bits of information and an infinite hunger for the Next Cool Thing... it's looking like the future will fit you like a glove. One that shoots lasers.

Wait, did we say 'the future'? Because looking back on 2008, it seems like that geek-dominated future is already here. Consider..."

Alien Hands and Other Medical Oddities

Alien Hands and Other Medical Oddities: "F. Scott Fitzgerald invented the reverse-aging phenomenon at the heart of 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' which opened at movie theaters this week. But there are plenty of unusual ailments that are quite real. Here are just a few of them:"

DJ Earworm - United State of Pop 2008

Dallas Cowboys blasted in media

Dallas Cowboys blasted in media; players point fingers: "'Another Cowboys season goes by the wayside,' headlined the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The Clarence E. Hill Jr. column led with 'Pathetic. Truly pathetic.'

'Quittin' Time' blared The Dallas Morning News. A column by Jean-Jacques Taylor led with: 'Wade Phillips presides over the most gutless team in franchise history. That's his legacy. Forever.'"

Peyton extends record of 4,000-yard seasons


Peyton extends record of 4,000-yard seasons:

Colts QB has failed to reach plateau only twice in his 11-year NFL career

"The Indianapolis Colts achieved everything they wanted Sunday.

Peyton Manning reached 4,000 yards. Marvin Harrison became the NFL’s No. 2 all-time receiver. Dallas Clark broke a 42-year-old franchise record. And the Colts won their 12th game for a sixth straight season, extending their own NFL record."

The 19 Best Movies That You Didn't See in 2008


The 19 Best Movies That You Didn't See in 2008: "In less than 3 days it'll be 2009 — but wait, there's at least 19 great movies from this year that you haven't seen yet! Back by popular demand, it's our second annual list of the 19 best movies that you didn't see in 2008 (see last year's list). Featured below is a hand-picked selection of the best independent and mainstream feature films that were either quietly dumped by studios, ignored by audiences, or just not marketed well enough. So to give these films some extra time in the spotlight, and to support some of the best filmmakers out there, we've put together this year end wrap-up for you. I want to encourage everyone to consider watching just one of these that they haven't heard of (or didn't want to see) beforehand."

Facial expressions of emotion are innate, not learned, says new study

Facial expressions of emotion are innate, not learned, says new study: "San Francisco State University Psychology Professor David Matsumoto compared the facial expressions of sighted and blind judo athletes at the 2004 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. More than 4,800 photographs were captured and analyzed, including images of athletes from 23 countries."

Are Romantic Movies Bad For You?


Are Romantic Movies Bad For You?: "In the celluloid world of romantic comedies, shy but decent men get the girl, arguments set up sweet reconciliations, and couples separated by tragedy are always reunited through improbable coincidence. But now researchers are beginning to ask whether the make-believe world projected in 'rom-coms' might actually be preventing true love in real life."

One year in 40 seconds


One year in 40 seconds from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.
One year in 40 seconds: "Images from the same spot through one year. Audio captured at the same place. All details on how this video was made, another video of these images and a place to download all the footage here: eirikso.com/2008/12/27/one-year-worth-of-images-give-some-amazing-videos/

The images are creative commons licensed and available for you to download and play with."

Monday, December 29, 2008

Intruder Lives In Family's Attic For Days

Intruder Lives In Family's Attic For Days : "A male intruder slept in the attic of a township home by wrapping himself with blankets and insulation, and stealing food and clothing when the homeowner and her family were away, township police said.

Police said Stanley Carter, 21, of Arkansas, surrendered after he heard a police canine inside Stacey Ferrance’s home on Wyoming Street Friday afternoon."

Lady actually inserts credit card into Wii slot, breaks Wii


Lady actually inserts credit card into Wii slot, breaks Wii: "A clueless (but probably innocent) mother bought a Wii for her kids for Christmas, and having been told by someone that she had to “put in her credit card when prompted,” actually inserted not one, not two, but three credit cards into the Wii’s poor little disc slot."

Whoever Stole the Huge Statue Out of Bernie Madoff’s Backyard Is Awesome


Whoever Stole the Huge Statue Out of Bernie Madoff’s Backyard Is Awesome: "Forget the fact that Bernie Madoff managed to run a $50 billion Ponzi scheme over God knows how many years without detection: Whoever managed to go into the backyard of his Palm Beach home and steal the sculpture he kept there is a genius.

The theft occurred sometime between 3 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 11:30 a.m. last Sunday, a week after Madoff confessed to ripping off $50 billion from investors in a decades-long Ponzi scheme. The five-foot, copper artwork overlooked the Madoffs' inground pool, and portrays two young lifeguards sitting on a raised stand."

The 13 most famous Numbers


The 13 most famous Numbers and their stories

The number 7 has a special place in various cultures based on its relative frequency. Scientific experiments have shown how favorable this number is chosen by participating humans. It is the most frequently selection if people are asked to name their favorite number. As blue is as often chosen as the favorite color the phenomenon is also called “blue-seven” phenomenon.

Another finding by the cognition psychologist John Locke in the 17th century shows that in human perceptivity most people could remember 7 objects after a brief look at them.

Strangest Invertebrate Ever


Strangest Invertebrate Ever: "Check out the mode of locomotion - something i've never seen before. If any one can help me ID this animal or knows someone who could help can you please contact me. I have found a few of them under logs in New South Wales, Australia."

iPhone magnetic mount lenses clarify your photos


iPhone magnetic mount lenses clarify your photos: "USB Fever have a trio of lenses that adhere to your iPhone via a magnetic ring. The Wide Angle lens (pictured above) offers a .67x zoom with Super Macro. The trio of lenses provide: Wide Angle, Telephoto (2x) and Fish-Eye capabilities to the iPhone (original and 3G) as well as a slew of other phones and even computers. Since the iPhone 3G features a plastic base, USB Fever have a solution to magnetically mount the lenses to those phones with plastic cases"

Why Is There a Mohammad Statue at the Supreme Court?


Why Is There a Mohammad Statue at the Supreme Court?: "Sculpture figures prominently in the Corinthian architecture of the Court Building. One chamber features a frieze decorated with a bas-relief sculpture by Adolph A. Weinman of eighteen influential law-givers. The south wall depicts Menes, Hammurabi, Moses, Solomon, Lycurgus, Solon, Draco, Confucius and Octavian, while the north wall depicts Napoleon Bonaparte, John Marshall, William Blackstone, Hugo Grotius, Louis IX, King John, Charlemagne, Justinian and, you guessed it, Mohammad."

Candy Canes Fight Germs, Settle Stomachs


Candy Canes Fight Germs, Settle Stomachs: "New studies on peppermint, the key flavoring in traditional candy canes, reveal the herb may do everything from kill germs to treat digestive troubles.

Some researchers now advise consumers to eat a tablespoon or more of fresh peppermint, and other green herbs, daily."

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Stalin strong contender for most popular Russian


Stalin strong contender for most popular Russian: "Soviet dictator Josef Stalin remains one of Russia's most popular historical figures despite the purges that marked his rule, according to the latest results in a nationwide poll."

The Polaroid - Imperfect, Yet Magical


The Polaroid - Imperfect, Yet Magical: "The demise of Polaroid’s instant film cameras has been coming for years. Digital technology did it in. The decision this year by the company that Edwin Land founded to stop manufacturing the film has left devotees who grew up with Polaroid’s palm-size white-bordered prints bereft. They have signed up in the thousands as members of SavePolaroid.com. Digital cameras that print instant pictures have materialized to fill the void, providing a practical substitute. But as in most affairs of the heart, logic is beside the point."